Rhode Island's Public Sailing Center

Newport Regatta a draw for sailors from all over the U.S.

One-design competitors travel from 25 U.S. states to participate in the annual Newport Regatta

NEWPORT, RI (July 11, 2016) - For 33 years, Sail Newport has hosted the annual Newport Regatta as a keynote sailing event for one-design sailors each summer. The first event in 1984 included only one class of Shields and more than three decades later, the Newport Regatta has grown to become one of the largest multi-class regattas in New England. with over fifteen racing classes and 500 plus competitors.

The sailing event is not only a key event for New England Sailors, the Newport Regatta is a favorite event for sailors across the U.S. Entrants came to Newport this past weekend from 25 U.S. States

Etchells sailor Stephen Benjamin, who also won the Etchells' Narragansett Bay Championship with his Newport Regatta win, says, "The Sail Newport regatta is an anchor for our summer schedule. We especially enjoy the reliable winds and challenging currents. Sail Newport is an incredible organization and we'll be back next year for sure," he adds.

Because Sail Newport is renowned for on-the-water expertise, may racing classes sanction the Newport Regatta as a class championship. Last night at the awards ceremony, the Thistle Class named an East Coast Champion, The Swan 42, J/70, VX One and RS Aero Classes winners became New England Champions, The Ensign Class winners captured an Atlantic Coast title and the winning boat in the Etchells Class became their Narragansett Bay Champion.

In addition, 2.4mR, 505, 29er, F-18, Laser, Melges 20, Melges 32, J/88 classes raced for the Newport Regatta trophies. In total, fifteen different classes raced on four areas of the bay including offshore near R2, between Rose and Goat islands and on race circles north of the Newport Bridge.

Brian Bennett, who skippered his VX One to first place and the class' New England Championship, has been coming to the Newport Regatta for many years says, "The draw is that Sail Newport has been delivering consistent race management and has set a high standard. You can be pretty sure to come to the regatta and get great racing, I love the technical conditions in Newport with tides and constantly changing shifty conditions. It's one of the best technical sailing locations in the world," he adds.

Sponsors for the event included presenting sponsor Helly Hansen, KVH Industries, Quantum Sails and Interlux. Heineken has also been a long time sponsor as has Crystal Spring. Sail Newport also thanks the Rhode Island Sailing Events Committee for the gracious support.